Strengthening Disaster Risk Communication: Insights from Emergency Operation Centers in Saudi Arabia
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.52609/jmlph.v5i1.170Keywords:
Disaster Management, Emergency Operation Centres, Risk Communication, Information DisseminationAbstract
Effective risk communication is essential for coordinated disaster response, particularly among Emergency Operation Center (EOC) leaders managing crises. This study assesses the perceptions of EOC leaders in Saudi Arabia regarding key risk communication challenges, focusing on clarity, transparency, and consistency. Using a purposive sample of 95 EOC leaders, the study employed a structured survey to gather data on various aspects of disaster communication. Results indicated high ratings for the clarity and accessibility of information, though transparency and consistency scored lower, revealing gaps in cross-agency communication. Notable correlations between trust, reliability, and transparency suggest that strengthening one element may reinforce others, promoting cohesive disaster response.
Qualitative responses highlighted the need for standardized protocols, real-time updates, and culturally adaptive messaging suited to the regional context. The findings emphasize practical steps, including centralized communication channels, designated spokespersons, and training programs tailored to EOC leaders’ unique needs. These measures, emphasizing clarity, consistency, and trust, can improve inter-agency coordination and strengthen disaster resilience. This study contributes to the literature on disaster management by providing insights into the Saudi Arabian context, with implications for policy and practice in risk communication.
References
Reynolds, B., & Seeger, M. W. (2005). Crisis and emergency risk communication as an integrative model. Journal of Health Communication, 10(1), 43-55.
Alshehri, S. A., Rezgui, Y., & Li, H. (2013). Public perceptions of disaster management in Saudi Arabia. Natural Hazards, 65(3), 1813-1830.
Abualenain, J. T. (2024). Psychological preparedness in disaster management: A survey of leaders in Saudi Arabia's emergency operation centers. International Journal of Disaster Risk Reduction, 113, 104871.
Bradley, D. T., McFarland, M., & Clarke, M. (2016). The effectiveness of disaster risk communication: a systematic review of intervention studies. Effective Communication During Disasters, 81-120.
Al Kurdi, O.F. (2021). A critical comparative review of emergency and disaster management in the Arab world. Journal of Business and Socio-economic Development, Vol. 1 No. 1, pp. 24-46
Reynolds, B., & Seeger, M. W. (2005). Crisis and emergency risk communication as an integrative model. Journal of Health Communication, 10(1), 43-55.
Covello, V. T. (2003). Best Practices in Public Health Risk and Crisis Communication. Journal of Health Communication, 8(sup1), 5–8.
Waugh, W. L., & Streib, G. (2006). "Collaboration and leadership for effective emergency management." Public Administration Review, 66(1), 131–140.
Kapucu, N. (2006). "Interagency communication networks during emergencies: Boundary spanners in multiagency coordination." The American Review of Public Administration, 36(2), 207–225.
Federal Emergency Management Agency. (2023). 2023 National Preparedness Report. Retrieved from https://www.fema.gov/sites/default/files/documents/fema_2023-npr.pdf
Sutton, J., Palen, L., & Shklovski, I. (2008). "Backchannels on the front lines: Emergency uses of social media in the 2007 Southern California wildfires." Proceedings of the 5th International ISCRAM Conference.
International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC). (2022). World Disasters Report 2022: Trust, Equity, and Local Action. Retrieved from https://www.ifrc.org/document/world-disasters-report-2022
Sellnow, T. L., Lane, D. R., Sellnow, D. D., & Littlefield, R. S. (2017). "The IDEA model as a framework for effective instructional risk and crisis communication." Communication Studies, 68(5), 552–567.
Veil, S. R., Buehner, T., & Palenchar, M. J. (2011). "A work‐in‐process literature review: Incorporating social media in risk and crisis communication." Journal of Contingencies and Crisis Management, 19(2), 110–122.
Wukich, C. (2015). "Social media use in emergency management." Journal of Emergency Management, 13(4), 281–294.
Downloads
Published
How to Cite
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2024 Jameel Abualenain
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
